Honda’s finally pulling the trigger on something Indian bikers have been waiting for – the Rebel 500 cruiser and X-ADV adventure scooter are now being delivered to customers who’ve been patiently (or not so patiently) waiting since the launch announcements.
The first lucky bunch got their keys handed over at Honda’s BigWing Topline showrooms in Gurugram, and honestly, seeing those smiles makes you wonder if Honda timed this perfectly for the monsoon season. The company stuck to their word about June deliveries, which is refreshing in a world where launch timelines often go for a toss.
Rebel 500: The Cruiser That’s Playing Hard to Get
At Rs 5.12 lakh ex-showroom, the Rebel 500 isn’t exactly what you’d call affordable, but Honda’s making it even trickier to get your hands on one. They’re only selling it in three cities – Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai – and only through select BigWing Topline dealers. It’s like Honda’s testing the waters before diving in completely.
The single color option – Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic – actually works in its favor. Sometimes less choice means less confusion, and this shade gives the bike that understated cool factor that cruiser enthusiasts seem to love.
Under that minimalist tank sits a 471cc parallel-twin that makes 45.6 horses at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Numbers aside, what really matters is how this engine delivers power – and Honda’s known for making engines that just work, day in and day out. The 6-speed gearbox should keep things smooth whether you’re crawling through Bangalore traffic or cruising down the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
What caught my attention is that 690mm seat height. For a cruiser, that’s pretty accessible. You won’t need to tiptoe at traffic lights, which is always a relief.
Read Also: Honda Activa e: Gets New Lite BaaS Plan at Just ₹678 Monthly
X-ADV: The Expensive Adventure
Now here’s where Honda gets bold – or some might say, ambitious. Rs 11.91 lakh for what’s essentially a big scooter with adventure bike aspirations. That’s serious money, but at least Honda’s not playing favorites with availability. You can walk into any BigWing dealership across the country and place your order.
The 745cc twin pumping out 57 horses and 69 Nm is no joke. But the real party trick here is Honda’s DCT – Dual Clutch Transmission. No clutch lever, no gear shifter, just twist and go. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, especially in stop-go city traffic where your left hand would otherwise be getting a workout.
Features That Actually Matter
Honda hasn’t gone overboard with gimmicky features, which is refreshing. The 5-inch TFT screen talks to your phone through their RoadSync app, giving you navigation that actually works and letting you handle calls without fumbling for your phone.
Four riding modes – Standard, Sport, Rain, and Gravel – mean you can adjust the bike’s personality based on conditions. The traction control system (Honda calls it HSTC) and cruise control are the kind of features that sound boring in brochures but become lifesavers on long rides.
That 22-liter under-seat storage with USB-C charging? Pure genius for daily commuting. Finally, a bike that understands you need to carry stuff and charge things.
The Competition Reality Check
The Rebel 500’s biggest headache is probably the Kawasaki Eliminator, which doesn’t have Honda’s city restrictions and offers similar cruiser vibes. As for the X-ADV, it’s going head-to-head with BMW’s C400 GT, which costs slightly less and has that German badge appeal.
But here’s the thing – Honda’s banking on their reputation for reliability and that extensive service network. When you’re spending this kind of money, knowing you can get your bike serviced without drama matters more than you’d think.
Price and Availability
Honda Rebel 500: Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Available in: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru only
- Single colour: Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic
Honda X-ADV: Rs 11.91 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Available nationwide through BigWing dealerships
- Two colours: Pearl Glare White, Graphite Black
Both bikes represent Honda’s serious push into premium territory. Whether Indian riders are ready to shell out this kind of cash for Honda badges instead of European ones remains to be seen. But if Honda’s service network and reliability reputation count for anything, they might just pull this off.
The real test will be how these bikes perform in Indian conditions over the long haul. Because at these prices, people expect more than just good looks and spec sheets.